Day 1 of the third Test between England and India at Lord’s witnessed a charged atmosphere, not just with the ball but also with words. Mohammed Siraj, known for his fiery spirit, found a perfect moment to sledge Joe Root during a rare phase of English restraint. As India tightened the noose after lunch, Siraj’s animated dig at Root became one of the day’s highlights, reminding the world that verbal tactics are still part of high-pressure Test cricket.

Mohammed Siraj mocks Bazball in a Lord’s Test duel with Joe Root

The defining moment came during the 31st over when England, stuck at a standstill for 28 deliveries post-lunch, were visibly rattled by India’s disciplined bowling attack. Root, clearly frustrated, attempted a release shot only for the ball to bounce sharply and sail past his outside edge. Mohammed Siraj, sensing an opportunity, turned provocateur. With a smirk and no hesitation, he taunted, ‘Baz, Baz, Bazball. Come on. I want to see,” The cheeky sledge echoed across the field and was picked up by stump mics, triggering laughter and applause from the Indian camp.

It was Siraj’s not-so-subtle reminder that Bazball, England’s aggressive, fearless batting philosophy, was nowhere to be seen. Videos of the moment soon went viral online, with many enjoying the pacer’s theatrical jab. His mockery came after England had played four consecutive maiden overs, a scenario that contradicted everything their recent Test approach had stood for. Siraj’s comment wasn’t just banter; it was strategic psychological warfare, cracking open England’s confidence one dig at a time. It also highlighted how India were dictating terms, forcing England into an uncharacteristically defensive shell.

Here’s the video:

MOHAMMAD SIRAJ TO JOE ROOT:

“Baz, Baz, Bazball. Now Play Bazball. I want to see.” pic.twitter.com/uppkzTbLRX

— Ayan (@ayan3955) July 10, 2025

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Defensive England and uncharacteristic Ben Stokes decision

The backdrop to Siraj’s sledging was a larger surprise: Ben Stokes’ rare choice to bat first at home. Since becoming England’s full-time Test captain in 2022, this was only the second instance of him opting to bat first on home soil. Fans were stunned, expecting a bowl-first strategy especially under Lord’s cloudy conditions. England crawled to 125/2 by the 49rd over at tea, an astonishingly slow rate in their ‘Bazball; era. Their famed aggression seemed to vanish as Bumrah and Siraj kept them on a tight leash.

The post-lunch period saw immense pressure with India’s pacers firing on all cylinders and fielders executing their roles flawlessly. Root and Pope failed to rotate the strike, repeatedly hitting the ball straight to fielders. Siraj, combining skill and swagger, turned up the heat with both ball and tongue, making it clear that this wasn’t going to be an easy ride. England’s attempt to assert dominance had backfired, and India’s bowlers made sure to let them know. The crowd sensed a shift in tone: this was no ordinary Test, it was personal, competitive, and brutally honest. Siraj’s comment was symbolic of India taking the fight to England, not just physically, but mentally.

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